Homes to be built on
school playing field
by David Skentelbery
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A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build houses on land used as playing fields for a Warrington high school have been given the green light by planning chiefs.
Members of the borough council’s development control committee gave the go-ahead for an outline planning application by Arrowcroft North West Ltd for about 100 houses on land at Cardinal Newman RC High School, off Bridgewater Avenue, Westy.
The scheme had been opposed by the Westy Action Group and 17 local residents.
There were particular worries about proposals to relocate the school playing fields to the back of the site where they will be in close proximity to overhead power lines.
But the committee – which had visited the site before considering the proposals – was told that the Health Protection Agency was satisfied there would be no health hazard arising from the scheme.
And several hundred letters were received from residents supporting the scheme.
The committee was told that the electromagnetic field measurements from the power lines were two to three times lower than the National Radiological Protection Board’s recommended levels.
Education chiefs supported the scheme because of the benefits for sports facility at the school and the surrounding community.
Planning officers recommended the scheme be approved because it would contribute to the regeneration of the Westy area, enhancing school playing field provision and exploiting a riverside setting. In addition, the new housing would improve the social balance of the area.
Father Michael honoured
by Gary Skentelbery
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LOCAL vicar Rev Michael Burgess said he felt “highly honoured” after receiving the Rotary Club of Lymm’s 2004 Vocational prize – known as the Cyril Bell Memorial Trophy – for services to the Community.
He said it was the first “prize” he had received since leaving school and in the fancy dress event at Lymm May Queen as one of the three blind mice!
Father Michael was presented with a crystal glass Rose Bowl for one year and a cheque for ?500 which he has split equally between Oughtrington Community Association and the Lymm Clothing Charity.
Father was nominated for the award for Lymm Jubilee Women’s Institute.
The Cyril Bell Award is in memory of former Rotarian and local councillor Cyril bell who tragically died from a heart attack part way through his term of office as Rotary Club President.
He is pictured receiving his award from senior vice President John Beard.
“Special” exhibition
aimed at volunteers
by Lesley Wilkinson
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AN EXHIBITION is being held in Birchwood, Warrington on Wednesday July 14, aimed at attracting volunteers to train as special constables to support the work of the police.
The event will be held at The Centre at Birchwood from 10am.
Tina Shelton, specials co-ordinator for Cheshire Police, said: “It is not only volunteers we are looking for, we are also looking for companies who could allow their staff to be able to attend certain events or training within the normal working week.
“Volunteering to be a special is all about giving something back to the local community, employees who become specials will be able to take back new skills to the workplace and employers will be able to reap the rewards of motivated staff,” she added.
The volunteers will be fully trained and will work with and support police officers. They should be prepared to work at lease four hours a week.
Application packs for specials are available from Tina on 01244 614 026.
Community centre to
launch new activities
by staff reporter
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A RANGE of new activities has been launched at Warrington’s Cinnamon Brow Community Farm Club.
New facilities opened recently include an editing studio, youth facilities and a residents’ association office.
Sue Emery, of the club, said: “This project is testimony to what can be achieved when the community work together, the new facilities will benefit all the community and be an asset to the community centre.”
Activities are organised by Cinnamon Brow Community Association and Cinnamon Brow Residents Association.
As part of development of youth facilities, The Cinnamon Brow Football Team -formed after consultation with young people – has got a new football kit.
The team meets every Tuesday and has won several competitions.
?400,000 sports
pitch to open soon
by Lesley Wilkinson
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BOOKINGS are being taken from community groups interested in hiring the new ?400,000 floodlit synthetic sports pitch at Culcheth High School, near Warrington.
School business manager Amanda Stevens said the pitch should be ready from August.
It will be used by Culcheth High and Culcheth Primary School during the day, and Amanda said this means a boost to sports lessons. She said previously lessons had to be cancelled if the grass was affected by bad weather.
The facility is open to the community during term time from 5pm to 9pm Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday. Bookings outside term time can be made by arrangement.
Hire of the full pitch at peak time is ?60 per hour, and for a third of the pitch (for five-a-side etc) is ?20 per hour. There are reductions for junior clubs and for other groups at certain times.
The pitch was funded by the Lottery New Opportunities Fund, the schools, Warrington Borough Council and Biffa, a local landfill company that has a community fund.
The pitch is expected to be a boost to local sports clubs who often have to travel outside the area for training or matches.
Anyone interested in hiring the facility should contact Amanda on 01925 762136.
?8 million office
scheme starts
by business staff
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APE Project Management Ltd, of Birchwood, Warrington has started work on the new ?8.3 million Bridgewater Place office development at Birchwood Park.
The company will act as project managers, quantity surveyors and employers’ agent on the first phase of the development for Birchwood Park Estates Ltd.
Development will include building two fully glazed three-storey office buildings with a combined gross internal floor area of over 88, 000sq ft. It will feature a central landscaping area with a water feature, together with car parking and new estate road.
Grass fire threat
to retail park
by David Skentelbery
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FIRE crews fought for two and-a-half hours to control a major grass fire on land at the rear of the Gemini Retail Park, Warrington.
Thirty firefighters were involved in the operation and succeeded in prevent flames from spreading to nearby buildings, including some of the stores in the retail park.
But clouds of dense smoke drifted across much of the Callands area.
High winds and the length of the grass involved made the operation difficult.
A Fire Service spokesman said: “If today’s rain had come when it was forecast, this fire probably wouldn’t have happened.”
In a separate incident, fire crews were called to Dunlin Close, off Greenwood Crescent, Warrington to deal with a fire involving a parked minibus. The interior of the vehicle was burnt out. The cause is still under investigation.
